The song “As it Was” appears to be about feeling held back or limited by various external factors, such as other people’s expectations. The lyrics mention wanting someone to hold out their hand, possibly as a gesture of support or companionship. The chorus repeats the line “in this world, it’s just us,” possibly suggesting that Harry feels isolated or disconnected from others.
The second verse speaks of Harry being alone at home where he is accused of being on pills, indicating that he may be struggling with mental health or addiction. The mention of the phone call leads me to believe that it’s Harry is talking to his stepchildren saying that he “daddy” lives alone and he wants to make sure that they (the kids) are well. It sounds like their mother may be trying to leave and Harry won’t be able to go.
The final verse seems to shift the focus to Harry’s own experiences, with references to his girlfriend or girl he loves leaving America and having her two kids follow. The line “I don’t wanna talk about the way that it was” could suggest a desire to move on from the past or to avoid dwelling on negative experiences. It could perhaps mean avoiding the sadness that comes with thinking about the good memories they have made.
Overall, the lyrics of “As it Was” seem to explore themes of isolation, struggle, and the desire for support and connection with others. The singer appears to be grappling with various challenges and limitations, both external and internal, and seeking ways to overcome them.